Other than better pay, workers want more vacation, flexibility

Many executives may be undervaluing a perk their workforce wants most — other than additional compensation, according to surveys by Accountemps.

When asked which workplace perk they think employees are most interested in receiving this year, 41 per cent of 270 CFOs interviewed said better benefits, 26 per cent said a more flexible schedule and 17 per cent said more vacation days.

Better benefit plan, such as enhanced health-care plan

41%

More scheduling flexibility, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours

26%

More vacation days

17%

Other corporate perks, such as on-site meals and amenities, health and wellness or subsidized transportation

8%

More training or professional development opportunities

2%

However, in a separate survey of 425 workers, more vacation days topped the list (35 per cent) as most desired in 2015, followed by a more flexible schedule (17 per cent) and better benefits (16 per cent).

More scheduling flexibility, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours

17%

Better benefit plan, such as enhanced healthcare plan

16%

Other corporate perks, such as on-site meals and amenities, health and wellness, or subsidized transportation

16%

More training or professional development opportunities

16%

100%

"Offering workplace perks can be a great tool to motivate and retain workers," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian district president of Accountemps. "Regular feedback from your team will provide insight on which incentives are the most meaningful and can help confirm you are focusing your efforts in the right area.

Providing a variety of workplace perks and allowing your employees to choose the mix of incentives best suited to their individual circumstances can set you apart from the competition and improve your employees' job satisfaction."

Re-evaluating the vacation policy and the feasibility of offering flexible working opportunities can be a quick win, she said.

“In comparison, changing a company's benefits package can be a lengthy, challenging and expensive process," said Hunnam-Jones. "Supporting your employees to achieve greater work-life balance through additional vacation time and flexible work options shows you appreciate their efforts."